Habersham Restructures at the Top

February 16, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on February 17, 2012

High-end furniture and cabinetry vendor Habersham has restructured its executive team as part of a long-term growth strategy.

As part of the restructure, Tom Skipper has returned to the company as president; and Joan Bostic has been appointed to the newly created post of vice president of sales, kitchen and bath. Former President Matthew Eddy now is chief executive officer.

Mark Rossi, who was serving as Habersham's interim vice president of sales, returns to his role as CEO and founder of Carolina Sales Group,  the independent sales agency which has represented Habersham and other high-end furniture manufacturers since 1985. Rossi and his team will continue to represent Habersham throughout the Carolinas.

Skipper, who served as Habersham's vice president of sales from 2003-2010, returns to Toccoa, Ga.-based Habersham from Dallas-based Massoud Furniture, where he was the upholstery company's president for the past two years. Before joining Habersham, he was with Drexel Heritage Furniture for 21 years, holding a number of key sales and marketing positions, including vice president of national sales.

"As a manufacturer of both custom cabinetry and furniture, Habersham is truly in a unique position in the marketplace," Eddy said. "We've dramatically expanded our custom capabilities over the past two years and that initiative, coupled with the positive signs we're finally seeing in the real estate market, point to renewed growth opportunities for our company. Tom Skipper has a keen understanding of our product lines and their potential. He€™s the perfect candidate to help take us to the next level."

As president, Skipper will oversee all of Habersham's  sales and  marketing efforts, as well as other responsibilities. He report to Eddy.  A key part of Skipper's whole home focus will be working closely with the company's newly appointed vice president of sales for the Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry Division, Joan Bostic.

"Habersham offers the dealer/designer a greater share of the ultimate consumer's dollar than any stand-alone furniture or kitchen and bath manufacturer," said Skipper. "That translates into bigger tickets and increased profitability for Habersham's partners. The synergy between our  furniture and kitchen/bath cabinetry categories offers tremendous crossover selling opportunities that are key to our 'Habersham Home' concept. The company has reached the stage in its growth where we needed dedicated, experienced sales leadership  to address the specialized needs and demanding custom challenges of the cabinetry category. With more than 30 years of experience in the kitchen and bath marketplace, Joan Bostic brings the insight and hands-on industry expertise we€™ll need to truly maximize our full potential."

Reporting to Skipper, Bostic will oversee and direct the sales efforts for the company's rapidly growing kitchen and bath cabinetry division. 

Before joining Habersham, Bostic's experience includes serving as director of marketing and brand development for Elkay Cabinetry Division, and president of KWC America. Previously, she served as vice president of sales and marketing for KWC America; and held other sales and marketing positions for  Heritage Custom Kitchens and Christiana Cabinetry. In addition, Bostic was the owner/designer for Kitchens by Design in Goldsboro, N.C., for nine years. She is currently on the board of the Kitchen & Bath Collection Magazine, past director of the National Kitchen and Bath Association,  and past board member of the Luxury Kitchen & Bath Collection.